How to add a WhatsApp button on Google My Business

A Google Business Profile is an essential tool for local businesses looking to enhance customer engagement and visibility. If you have a Google My Business listing and are eager to leverage the popularity of WhatsApp, this guide will walk you through how to add WhatsApp to Google My Business. By integrating WhatsApp into your Google Business Profile, you can provide customers with a seamless way to reach out directly, fostering quicker responses and improved customer satisfaction. Let's explore how businesses can benefit from connecting WhatsApp to Google My Business and the types of businesses that can most effectively utilise this integration.

Why you should use Google My Business WhatsApp

Customer communication is increasingly shifting towards instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp. With over 2.5 billion active users, WhatsApp has become an important tool for businesses to engage with their audience efficiently. By integrating Google My Business WhatsApp, you provide customers with a direct and convenient way to reach out to your business.

Adding a WhatsApp button to your Google Business Profile allows potential customers to bypass traditional communication methods like emails or phone calls, which often involve waiting for responses. Instead, they can send a message instantly, leading to faster communication and improved customer service. This integration also presents an opportunity to encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews after a positive interaction on WhatsApp, enhancing your online reputation and attracting more potential clients.

Benefits of adding a WhatsApp link to Google My Business

Integrating a WhatsApp link into your Google My Business profile offers several advantages that can enhance customer engagement and streamline communication.

Familiarity

By providing a Google My Business WhatsApp link, you allow customers to communicate through a platform they are already comfortable using. If WhatsApp is their preferred method of messaging, they are more likely to reach out to your business, leading to increased interactions and potential conversions.

Boosts visibility

Adding a WhatsApp link can contribute to a more complete Google Business Profile, which may improve your page's visibility in search results. A comprehensive profile with active engagement can boost your ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

Enhanced engagement

This integration offers additional opportunities for direct customer engagement. Similar to Google My Business Messaging, you have 24 hours to respond to messages. However, with WhatsApp, you can request customers to opt-in for updates beyond this timeframe, allowing for ongoing conversations.

Advanced features

If you use the WhatsApp Business API, connecting it to a central messaging platform can unlock advanced features like multi-agent access and automated workflows. This can significantly enhance your customer service capabilities and streamline communication processes.

Ways Customers Can Connect with Your Business on Google My Business

Google My Business offers multiple ways for customers to engage with your business, each catering to different communication preferences. Let's explore these options and how they can benefit your business.

1. Clickable Call Button
   Google My Business allows you to add a call button and a clickable phone number, making it easy for customers to call your business directly. However, many customers prefer messaging over calling, so it's essential to offer alternative communication channels.
2. Google My Business messaging and WhatsApp
   Google now supports messaging through SMS and WhatsApp click-to-chat links. This feature enables potential customers to initiate conversations directly from your Google My Business page. Integrating Google My Business WhatsApp can be particularly effective, as it allows customers to use a platform they are familiar with.
3. Appointment/booking links for easy scheduling
   You can also add custom links, such as a WhatsApp link, to your Google Business Profile. This method is versatile and can be used for various purposes, including scheduling appointments or directing customers to specific services. The placement of these links may vary depending on your business type.

Step-by-step guide to adding WhatsApp in Google my Business

Now that you understand the benefits of integrating WhatsApp with your Google Business Profile, let's walk through the process of setting it up. Learning how to add WhatsApp in Google My Business is straightforward and can significantly enhance customer engagement.

What you’ll need before you start:

• WhatsApp Business Account: Recommended for accessing business-specific features like automated messages and quick replies.
• Verified Google Business Profile: Ensure your business is verified to add custom links.
• Business Phone Number Linked to WhatsApp: This will be the number customers use to contact you.

Step 1: Set up your WhatsApp business account

1. Download the WhatsApp business App:
   
   • For Android: Download from the Google Play Store.
   • For iPhone: Download from the Apple App Store.
2. Register your business phone number:
   
   • Open the app, agree to the terms, and enter your business phone number.
   • Verify the number using the OTP sent via SMS.
3. Complete your business profile:
   
   • Business name: Use your official business name.
   • Category: Choose the relevant industry.
   • Business description: Write a short description of your services.
   • Location & contact info: Add your business address, email, and website.
   • Business hours: Set your working hours.
   • Profile picture: Upload a high-quality logo or storefront image.
4. Enable business messaging features (Optional):
   
   • Use quick replies, away messages, and greeting messages to improve communication efficiency.

Step 2: Create a WhatsApp click-to-chat link

1. Generate your WhatsApp link:
   
   • Use the format: https://wa.me/<YourPhoneNumber>.
   • Example: For +1 234 567 8900, use https://wa.me/12345678900.
2. Add a pre-filled message (Optional):
   
   • Format: https://wa.me/<YourPhoneNumber>?text=<YourMessage>.
   • Example: https://wa.me/12345678900?text=Hello!%20I’d%20like%20to%20know%20more.
3. Test your WhatsApp link:
   
   • Copy and paste the link into a browser.
   • Check if it opens a chat with your business number.

Step 3: Add your WhatsApp link to Your Google Business Profile

1. Log into your Google Business profile:
   
   • Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
   • Sign in with your Google account.
   • Select your business if you manage multiple locations.
2. Where to insert your WhatsApp link:

Here's how you can insert your WhatsApp link into your Google Business Profile using the three options:

Option 1: Adding WhatsApp link to the website field

1. Log into Google Business profile manager:
   
   • Go to the Google Business Profile Manager and sign in with your Google account.
   • Select your business if you manage multiple locations.
2. Navigate to the info section:
   
   • In the left menu, click on "Info."
   • Scroll down to the "Website" field.
3. Paste your WhatsApp link:
   
   • If you don’t have a website, you can paste your WhatsApp link directly into the "Website" field.
   • Click "Save" to update your profile.
4. Why this option works:
   
   • This method provides immediate visibility for customers looking at your profile.
   • It’s straightforward and easy to implement.

Option 2: Adding WhatsApp link to your business description

1. Access your business description:
   
   • In the Google Business Profile Manager, navigate to the "Info" section.
   • Scroll down to the "Business description" field.
2. Add a short text with your WhatsApp link:
   
   • Write a short message like: "Chat with us on WhatsApp for quick inquiries: [Your WhatsApp Link]."
   • Click "Save" to update your profile.
3. Why this option works:
   
   • It allows you to provide context about why customers should use WhatsApp to contact you.
   • It’s a good option if you already have a website listed.

Option 3: Sharing WhatsApp link via Google posts

1. Navigate to the posts section:
   
   • In the Google Business Profile Manager, click on "Posts" in the left menu.
2. Create a new post:
   
   • Click on "Create post."
   • Write a message announcing your WhatsApp availability, such as: "Now you can reach us on WhatsApp! Click here to chat instantly: [Your WhatsApp Link]."
3. Publish your post:
   
   • Click "Publish" to make the post live.
   • This will appear on your Google Business Profile for customers to see.
4. Why this option works:
   
   • It allows you to highlight your WhatsApp availability as a new feature or update.
   • It can drive engagement and encourage customers to try messaging you on WhatsApp.

3. Why this step matters:
   
   • More Visibility: Customers will see the WhatsApp option immediately.
   • Easier Communication: Users can reach out with a single tap.
   • Higher Conversions: Faster response times lead to increased sales.

Step 4: Enable text messaging on Google My Business (Optional)

In addition to adding a WhatsApp link, enabling text messaging on your Google Business Profile (GMB) allows customers to contact you directly via SMS or Google Messages. This feature helps businesses provide faster responses and improve customer engagement.

How to enable messaging on GMB

1. Log into your Google Business profile manager:
   
   • Go to the Google Business Profile Manager and sign in with your Google account.
2. Select your business:
   
   • If you manage multiple locations, choose the one you want to enable messaging for.
3. Access the messages section:
   
   • In the left menu, click on "Messages."
4. Activate messaging:
   
   • Click "Turn On Messaging" to enable the feature.
5. Enter and verify your business phone number:
   
   • If required, enter your business phone number and verify it via SMS.

Once enabled, customers will see a "Message" button on your Google Business Profile, allowing them to send inquiries instantly. This feature enhances customer engagement by providing an additional communication channel for quick responses.

Bonus step: add a WhatsApp click-to-chat link

Adding a WhatsApp Click-to-Chat link to your Google Business Profile makes it easier for customers to reach out directly. Follow these steps to integrate it effectively:

Steps to add your WhatsApp link:

1. Access your google business profile:
   
   • Log into your Google Business Profile Manager.
   • Select your business if you manage multiple locations.
2. Navigate to the contact tab:
   
   • In the "Business Information" section, click on the "Contact" tab.
3. Locate the chat section:
   
   • Under "Chat," you’ll see options to allow customers to chat with your business via SMS or other apps.
4. Select WhatsApp:
   
   • From the dropdown menu, choose "WhatsApp."
5. Enter your WhatsApp click-to-chat URL:
   
   • Paste your WhatsApp link (e.g., https://wa.me/<YourPhoneNumber>).
   • Ensure the link is correctly formatted with your country code and phone number.
6. Save changes:
   
   • Click "Save" to update your profile and make the WhatsApp link visible to customers.

Why this step matters:

• Convenience: Customers can contact you instantly without saving your number.
• Enhanced Engagement: Providing a familiar and easy communication channel improves customer interaction.
• Increased Visibility: A WhatsApp link adds functionality and appeal to your Google Business Profile.

Common issues when adding a WhatsApp link to Google my business

While adding a WhatsApp link to your Google Business Profile is straightforward, there are some common issues you might encounter during the process. Here’s how to address them effectively:

1. Not seeing a link to appointments

Some business profiles may not automatically show the option to set appointments or add links. This is often due to the primary business category you’ve selected.

Solution:

• Try changing your primary business category to one that supports appointment links.
• For example, if your current category is "Bakery" and it doesn’t allow links, switch to "Restaurant" as the primary category while keeping "Bakery" as a secondary category.

2. Adding more than one link

If you want to include multiple contact options, such as WhatsApp and a scheduling app, Google My Business allows you to add more than one URL under the same section.

Solution:

• Navigate to the booking or appointments section of your profile.
• Add each URL separately (e.g., WhatsApp link and scheduling app link) for customers to choose their preferred method of contact.

3. Unable to see WhatsApp click-to-chat link

If you’re using a desktop browser, you might not see the WhatsApp chat option in your Google Business Profile. This feature is currently more accessible on mobile devices.

Solution:

• Use the Google My Business mobile app to access and configure the WhatsApp chat option.
• Ensure your app is updated to the latest version for full functionality.

Google my business WhatsApp link to enhance sales and support

Integrating WhatsApp into your Google Business Profile opens up new opportunities for customer engagement, marketing, sales, and support. Here’s how you can make the most of this feature:

Using it for marketing

WhatsApp can be a powerful tool for marketing campaigns when linked to your Google My Business profile. Here’s how:

1. Track engagement:
   
   • Monitor how prospects interact with the WhatsApp link on your profile to understand their preferred communication methods.
2. Generate leads:
   
   • Use WhatsApp auto-reply welcome messages to ask prospects for their contact information or opt-in for updates.
   • Once they opt in, initiate conversations using pre-approved WhatsApp message templates.
3. Share promotions:
   
   • Send exclusive offers, promo codes, or updates about new products/services directly to customers via WhatsApp.

Using it for sales

WhatsApp provides a direct and informal channel for sales teams to interact with customers, fostering trust and speeding up conversions.

1. Respond quickly:
   
   • Answer product or service inquiries instantly through one-on-one chats or bulk messages.
2. Build personal connections:
   
   • Use conversational messaging to address customer concerns and build rapport, increasing the likelihood of purchase decisions.
3. Send appointment reminders:
   
   • Schedule WhatsApp messages to remind customers about upcoming appointments, reducing no-shows and boosting revenue.
4. Automate sales routing:
   
   • Use automation tools like Workflows to assign inquiries to the right salesperson, ensuring efficient handling of leads.

Using it for support

WhatsApp is an excellent platform for managing customer support efficiently while maintaining a personal touch.

1. Handle queries:
   
   • Respond to common questions quickly using WhatsApp Business features like automated replies and quick responses.
2. Route requests:
   
   • With the WhatsApp API, route customer inquiries directly to relevant team members for faster resolutions.
3. Collect feedback:
   
   • At the end of each conversation, send customer satisfaction surveys via WhatsApp to evaluate and improve your service quality.
4. Share updates:
   
   • Notify customers about order statuses, appointment confirmations, or other important updates instantly through WhatsApp messaging.

Why this integration matters

By linking WhatsApp with your Google My Business profile, you create a seamless communication channel that enhances customer satisfaction and drives business growth. Whether it’s marketing campaigns, sales conversations, or customer support interactions, this integration helps businesses:

• Engage customers faster.
• Build trust through personalized communication.
• Increase conversions with real-time responses.
• Streamline operations using automation tools.

With these strategies in place, you can leverage WhatsApp as a versatile tool to strengthen relationships with your audience and achieve business goals effectively.

Final thoughts

Adding a WhatsApp link to your Google Business Profile is a powerful way to enhance customer communication and engagement. It ensures that customers can reach you quickly, fostering trust and improving satisfaction. But managing high volumes of conversations can be challenging without the right tools.

With Trengo AI, you can take your customer engagement to the next level. Trengo’s AI-powered automation features, such as workflows and AI HelpMate, streamline repetitive tasks and route inquiries to the right teams, ensuring prompt and accurate responses. By leveraging Trengo AI, your team can focus on meaningful interactions while maintaining efficiency and quality service.

Why stop here? Trengo’s AI automation doesn’t just simplify customer communication—it transforms it. From automating responses to creating seamless customer journeys, Trengo empowers businesses to deliver exceptional experiences across all channels.

Ready to revolutionise your customer engagement? Sign up for a free trial or get a free demo of Trengo today and discover how AI can supercharge your WhatsApp and Google My Business interactions!